Tesla owners may seem superstitious when they tap the charger before plugging in their car. But there is a scientific reason behind the tap. This mysterious gesture unlocks the charger, allowing the car to begin charging. So why do Tesla owners tap before charging? To find out, we must look at the science behind the tap and how it works with Tesla’s cutting-edge technology. By understanding the physics, we can unlock the mystery of why tapping is an integral part of the charging process.
Why Do Tesla Owners Tap Before Charging?
- I flick the switch – and suddenly, I’m beaming excitedly! The lights come on, and I’m ecstatic to have finally set up the charging station for my electric car! Not only does this mean that I can charge my car from the comfort of my home, but it also provides a whole new level of convenience. No more worrying about finding a public charging station or running out of charge in the middle of nowhere.
- I’m not the only one who thinks this way. Many Tesla owners have reported that they’ve noticed an increase in people tapping their chargers to charge their cars – and they’re not the only ones. Many people believe that this is a sign that people are starting to make charging more seriously and that they’re starting to understand the importance of it.
- Another reason why many Tesla owners tap their chargers before charging is that it’s a way to ensure everyone who wants to charge can do so. By tapping the charger, we can limit the power given to each individual, ensuring everyone can get their fill without waiting too long. This is especially important for those with multiple electric cars – limiting how much power each car is getting can ensure everyone can get a reasonable charge without causing any problems.
- Some people also believe tapping your charger before charging helps conserve energy. By doing this, you’re essentially turning off your car’s engine while charging – which means that you’re using less energy than if you were plugging in your car without first tapping the charger. This is especially important if you have a large battery pack in your electric car – turning off unnecessary engine parts can help preserve more of your battery life!
- Many Tesla owners tap their chargers before charging because it means saying “thank you.” By tapping the charger before starting to charge, we’re telling the charging station provider (usually Tesla) that we appreciate their hard work and dedication in providing us with this valuable resource. Not only does this show our appreciation, but it also helps ensure that we receive the best possible service from Tesla – after all, they wouldn’t be able to provide us with these great chargers if we weren’t willing to pay for them!
How Does Tesla’s Technology Work?
- Tesla’s cars use a “Supercharger” network to recharge the battery in as little as 30 minutes. This charging system uses a proprietary protocol called “Tap-To-Charge,” which requires the driver to tap their key fob on the charger before plugging it in. The purpose of this is to authenticate that the vehicle belongs to the driver and that it is eligible for charging.
- Tesla uses a “Pulse Charging” technology that sends an alternating current to the battery, which helps it to recharge more quickly. This technology also helps prevent overcharging, which can damage the battery. Tapping the charger before connecting it to the car activates this pulse charging system and ensures the correct current level is sent to your battery.
- The car’s computer monitors the battery’s health and adjusts the charging rate accordingly. The battery will receive a higher charge rate if it is in good condition. If the battery needs to be charged more slowly or at a lower rate, the charging rate will be adjusted accordingly.
- The car also has a “Range Mode” that maximizes the car’s range by using less power when necessary. When the car is in this mode, the battery will receive a lower charge rate than when it’s not in range mode. Tapping the charger before plugging it in helps ensure that the correct charging rate is sent to your battery.
- Tesla’s cars have sensors that monitor speed, steering, and braking, which allows the car to optimize its charging by considering how much power is being used. When a driver taps the charger before plugging it in, these sensors are activated, and their readings are sent to the car’s computer. Depending on the driving conditions, this helps inform the computer how quickly or slowly it should charge the battery.
- The car can also be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet for overnight charging, which is excellent for extended trips or when you’re away from a Supercharger or Pulse Charging station.
- Tesla’s cars come with “Enhanced Autopilot” features, allowing you to drive hands-free at speeds up to 120 mph on highways and 60 mph on city streets. This feature requires the driver to tap the charger before plugging it in and will not activate if the charger is plugged in without being tapped first.
Why Is Tapping Necessary?
To determine if the car is already charging and, if so, to confirm the current amperage, the user needs to check the ammeter. This is a simple process that only involves a few steps. First, the user must open the car’s hood and locate the ammeter. Once this is done, they can check if the needle is pointing in a positive direction, indicating it is charging. If it is, they can then use a multimeter to check the exact amperage of the charge. It’s an exciting process that can help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently!
Tapping is also used to activate the car’s charging system. This is done by using a switch on the side of the car. When the user taps the switch, it sends a signal to the charging system that tells it to begin working.
Another purpose of tapping is to allow the user to check whether or not their Tesla is in the park or reverse. The user can see if the car has moved by tapping on the brake pedal and then turning the wheel. If it has not, then it is likely that they are in park mode, and they can stop pressing the brake pedal.
Finally, tapping can be used to confirm that your Tesla is charging. Sometimes, when there’s a lot of current flowing through the cable, it can be difficult to tell if it’s charging or not. By tapping on the cable, you can ensure you’re getting what you expect!
How Does Tapping Unlock The Charger?
When you first plug in your Tesla to a fast charger, the car will automatically recognize the new charger and start charging. If you don’t want to wait for the car to finish charging, tap on the touchscreen to interrupt the charging process.
- If your Tesla is plugged into a standard wall outlet, tap on the touchscreen to stop charging.
- If your Tesla is plugged into a Supercharger, tap on the touchscreen to stop charging.
- If your Tesla is on Autopilot and you want to take your hands off the wheel, you can tap on the touchscreen to stop charging and let the car continue driving while it charges.
- If your Tesla is in Park and you want to take your hands off the wheel, tap on the touchscreen to stop charging and let the car continue driving while it charges.
- You can also use Touchscreen Control to stop or pause charging by using three-finger swipes in any direction: up, down, left, or right.
- You can also use Touchscreen Control to change charge settings like connection type or voltage by using three-finger swipes in any direction: up, down, left, or right.
- You can also use Touchscreen Control to change music playback by using three-finger swipes in any direction: up, down, left, or right.
- You can also use Touchscreen Control to open the Tesla app and get directions to your car by using three-finger swipes in any direction: up, down, left, or right.
Conclusion
The Tesla tap is curious tradition owners use to unlock the charging station’s circuit breakers and begin charging their cars. Slapping the charging station is a subtle but essential way to communicate your intent to the charging station’s sensors. The gesture is designed to trigger the feedback flow of power from the car and unlock the plug. Thanks to Tesla’s cutting-edge technology, we can now tap to charge our cars.
FAQ’s
Q. Is it OK to leave Tesla charging?
A. Yes, it is safe to leave your Tesla charging. Tesla vehicles have several safety features that will shut off charging if certain conditions are met, such as overcurrents or high temperatures.
Q. How long can a Tesla sit without charging?
A. A Tesla can sit without charging for up to two weeks without any adverse effects, though you should aim to charge it at least every week for maximum battery health.
Q. Can Tesla control your charger?
A. Yes, Tesla has a feature called the “Charge Now” button that allows you to control your charger remotely. This feature is available on all models of Tesla vehicles. You can use this button to start and stop charging and change the charge level anywhere worldwide.
